Coronavirus: How We Should Respond
I wanted to share with you a few things we can do during what my pastor, Dr. R. A. Vernon calls “our temporary new normal.” Many of us are working from home, or been sent home without pay. Our children and grandchildren are home from school, and we aren’t going out to enjoy our usual past times of dining out, movies and sporting events. So, for a lot of us, our stress levels are running high.
Some people are speculating on who or what caused this coronavirus, but I want to stress that since God allowed it to happen, there is a purpose for it, and He will be gloried as He delivers us out of it.
In the meantime, with all this extra time at home, we need to seek God like never before. In addition to seeing how many Netflix shows we can binge watch or eating our favorite snacks, let’s all set some Godly habits and routines that will sustain us during this time, and hopefully become a regular part of our life going forward.
2 Chronicles 7: 13-15 GW
I may shut the sky so that there is no rain, or command grasshoppers to devour the countryside, or send an epidemic among my people. However, if my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves pray, search for me, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear their prayer from Heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their country. My eyes will be open, and my ears will pay attention to those prayers at this place.
1. Prayer
Set a specific time to pray every day and do not break your routine. If you already have a designated time of prayer, don’t let this coronavirus keep you from it. Be consistent in your prayer time.
It doesn’t have to be long and drawn out, unless you want it to be. This is your time to talk to God as you would talk to a friend or family member.
Joshua 1:8 KJV
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth: but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and thou shalt have good success.
2. Read the Bible
Even if it’s just 1 chapter per day. Take the time out of each day to read God’s word daily.
2 Chronicles 20:3 KJV
And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
3. Fasting
Pick one day of the week to fast, and make it a weekly habit. If you have never fasted before, you can start by giving up one meal such as lunch, or a favorite food item such as chocolate for the day. For those who take medicine and have to eat, think of 1 item that you love and eat often, but don’t need. Give that food item up for the day or a specific period of time.
You can even include your whole household for your time of fasting. For example, you can choose to give up sweets on Wednesdays. As a family, you can explain to your children the purpose of fasting, and designate some time to read the bible and pray together.
Psalms 34: 1 KJV
I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth
John 4:24 KJV
God is a spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.
4. Praise & Worship
Take some time throughout your day to praise and worship God. If you need help getting started, listen to or sing along to your favorite gospel songs. Not only will you give glory to God, but it will give you peace, and take your mind off the negative aspects of life.
I encourage everyone to incorporate these Godly habits into your life, if you are not already doing them. Incorporating these habits will still leave you with plenty of free time to enjoy with your family, doing the things you love to do together, like playing games, Netflix bingeing and eating your favorite foods.
When we come out of this, we are going to be stronger and equipped with Godly habits and principles, to live powerful and meaningful lives, no matter what comes our way.
FLOURISH Queens!!